I will miss this very “look” the look that confirmed she was very proud of my artistic achievements but more than that, she was proud of the man I’ve become. I will miss, the love she had for my little boy Ean, he was so special to her and gave her a chance to see life again from the eyes of a child, where all things are possible and fantasies become real once more. I will miss the special relationship that can only be achieved between a son and his mother, the trust and un-judgmental faith we had in each other. I will miss her gentle nature, a kind, positive woman who lived by the basic code of loving her fellow humans.

About the drawing:

Three weeks after her death I started this drawing; it’s been an emotional roller coaster of unimagined lows and highs. When her first eye was completed I felt her presence, when the face was finished it almost knocked me over with grief and yet there was the reassurance of her watching over me, sitting on my shoulder. The background was unyielding in its symbolism and intensity, the flowers that she always wanted me to draw but never got around to, patterns her blouse. The rose silhouettes carved in the aging stonewall, speak of a commemorative wall of ageless markings, and finally the moon filled with personal symbolism addressing amongst other things birth, life, death…and rebirth. My hope that this drawing would be cathartic was not to be, but now that this is completed maybe I will attain some inner peace, after all she still sits on that shoulder.

PS thank you all for watching this wip, I appreciate all the kind comments and especially the great questions. It took a long time, but there were no short cuts.

I'm very fortunate that I still have my mom and dad to talk to and visit and share with. I know one day I will have to bear the same sadness and void that is in your gift to your mom, and I hope that I will be able, in my own way, to pay tribute to them in such a beautiful and emotional way.

I still think this is your most powerful (emotional) piece towards me. And reading your story is very sad, yet intriguing. Your story is told through your artistic journey out of passion. They can say what they want, but that says enough for me. I know she would have been in awe and very proud. I darn know she should...

I honestly don't know why I said it now... Don't ask... Just felt like doing so.

this is a work that i never thought would be even looked at, after all its just an old lady standing by a strange wall but it has transcended all of that. People see their mothers in this even if i say nothing about it, well the title Blues for Mama gives a strong hint. Thanks Mike that means a lot to me

I never thought of that actually... When I saw this in the first time I was thinking "in memorial". The background empowers the ancient roses on classic rock. The moon implies "sleep well"; that was the first thought as well. It translates through the expression somehow and adds alot of power.

To be honest I don't have such connection with my mom as you had with your mother, but I can feel how it should be. A shame for me personally, but then your drawing makes this sort of personal for me too that way.

But no, I never thought it was "just an old lady". More like: "The lucky person who was drawn that way". After reading I found out it was about your mom.

i have to say that's one of the most amazing drawings ive ever seen in my life. the detail, everything in this drawing is utterly perfect. not only is the picture beautiful, but i love how you captured the symbolism in this work. sorry to hear about the loss, may she rest in piece,

I know this one, I've commented it 1,5 year ago. For me this is to me the most vibrant piece of them all. The lightplay causes a in memory-mood that is phenomenal and the softness unleveled. I've learned alot from the result just by letting it engulf me .